The Queensland Government has identified Gladstone Ports Corporations’ (GPC) Port of Gladstone as one of four priority ports in the state, and it is the first to have a draft master plan prepared.
The proposed master plan is a long-term strategic outlook for the Port of Gladstone and surrounding land and marine areas to ensure the port can continue to be developed in a sustainable manner, while ensuring key environmental and social values are protected.
The draft master plan has been developed by the Queensland Government in consultation with GPC and Gladstone Regional Council, and is currently out for public consultation.
GPC, CEO, Peter O’Sullivan, invites the community to review the draft master plan and have their say on how they wish to see the port developed.
“The Port of Gladstone has a history spanning over 100 years, the draft master plan provides GPC, the Queensland Government and Gladstone Regional Council with the foundation to ensure the ports existence well in to the future,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
The draft master plan covers growth from now until 2050, which Mr O’Sullivan said is a long period of time to plan for.
“To prepare a plan such as this we need to look at previous trends and trade predictions. The Port of Gladstone draft master plan includes various trade and growth scenarios,” Mr O’Sullivan said.
“There has been concerns regarding the coal industry and its longevity. The International Energy Agency predicts that even with the maximum uptake in renewables, world demand for both coking and thermal coal will increase. Currently 70 per cent of coal from RG Tanna Coal Terminal is coking coal, and an increase in demand for steel in India and the large number of High Efficiency Low Emissions power stations planned for Asia means the long-term outlook for coal is still positive.
“Any downturn in coal or other product simply means a slower rate of development for the port as with a wonderful natural deep water harbour, the opportunities to attract other trades to the area over the next thirty years are very positive.”
The draft master plan is currently available on the State Development website.
Submissions from the community close Monday 9 October 2017.
